Critics are heaping praise on Irish productions following premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival. Ian Fitzgibbon’s ‘Death of a Superhero’ had its world premiere at this year’s TIFF and critics are giving rave reviews of the Irish feature. Variety lauded the Irish/German co-production saying that “Fitzgibbon has achieved something special…the pic’s general appeal will lie in its honest and touching performances.”
Based on the Anthony McCarten’s novel of the same name, it tells the story of a cancer stricken teenager who craves sex and adventure. Cast in the feature include Andy Serkis (TinTin, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy), Thomas Brodie Sangster (Nowhere Boy), Aisling Loftus (Dice), Jessica Schwarz (Perfume) and Michael McElhatton (Parked, Happy Ever Afters).
Parallel Films co-production ‘Albert Nobbs’ has also been wowing film critics, who are tipping lead actress Glenn Close for a possible Oscar nomination. Screen Daily hailed Close’s performance calling it a “touching, credible performance,” saying “Close is surrounded by an expert ensemble cast with Pauline Collins enjoyably theatrical as the flirtatious Mrs Baker, Brendan Gleeson adding depth to the role of the hotel’s resident doctor and Janet McTeer capturing the gruff compassion of Hubert.” Screen Daily picked ‘Albert Nobbs’ as the Toronto Download #1 and suggested it may be a forerunner in the upcoming Awards season.
The Guardian gave ‘Albert Nobbs’ four stars, saying “Glenn Close serves up a terrific performance as a gender-bending butler in Rodrigo García's intriguing ensemble piece.”
Other Irish features shown at Toronto include Mary Harron’s ‘The Moth Diaries’. Having received its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month, Irish actress Sarah Bolger’s has also been commended by critics, with Screen International calling it “a fine performance.”
Irish release dates for all three features are TBC.
